Ellis Park Hot List - July 15

Today’s Ellis Park Hot List races to watch
Friday, July 15, 2022

By Bob Ehalt and Matt Shifman

Hot List Key:

A : A preferred horse to watch              B: Secondary horse to watch
*C: Went down 2 or more betting notches in the final 3 minutes and finished 1st through 3rd
*D: Went down 2 or more betting notches and finished 4^th or worse
* - 4 or more betting notches if 11-1 or more.

2nd race –  (3) Majors Vindication had little impact coming off a year layoff, but he should benefit from the start and could fire while returning to the turf for the first time since he won over this course in 2020. (8) Tiz Light the Way should appreciate a return to turf. (11) The Boss Factor might perk up on turf. (5) Peerless Court could be tough to catch in this spot. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 3-5-8-11

4th race – (9) What an Honor debuts for Maker and seems poised for a big effort. (10) Flashy Gem is another firster who seems to have some potential. (7) American Apple has the breeding to thrive on turf. (8) Lady Squared should be well-suited by turf. Betting strategy: 9 to win, place. Exacta box: 7-8-9-10. Doubles: 7-8-9-10 with 1-3-4-12.

5th race – (4) Kiawah Breeze cuts back to six furlongs and might hang on for his maiden win. (12) Air Combat tired last year in his career debut at Del Mar but should fare better here. (3) Pine Valley makes his first start for Brisset and could be dangerous. (1) Norgay promises to be a threat from the rail. Betting strategy: 4 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-3-4-12.

7th race – (3) Little Blaze (A) won easily last time at Churchill Downs and can make it two in a row here. (1) Stellar Grace cuts back to six furlongs and shapes up as the one to catch. (2) Palm Cottage is working nicely for her comeback. (6) Wings of an Angel put in a bullet work for this start. Betting strategy: 3 to win, place. Exacta box: 1-2-3-6. Doubles: 1-2-3-6 with 2-5-6-7.

8th race – (6) Risk Manager has a strong late kick and should be able to handle this field. (7) Vintage Print makes his 2022 debut and cannot be overlooked. (2) Hozier fits in with these and merits some attention on turf. (5) Sounion gets some class relief here and might wake up. Betting strategy: 6 to win, place. Exacta box: 2-5-6-7.

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